Indianapolis, IN - Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita today issued the following statement regarding the new cooperative effort between U.S. Attorney Joseph Van Bokkelen, Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter and Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter to investigate allegations of voting fraud in Lake County.

"Since August of last year I have called for an active investigation into the perpetual and deep-rooted election fraud that engulfs Lake County. I am encouraged by today's news that U.S. Attorney Joseph Van Bokkelen will join the current investigative and hopefully prosecutorial effort. It is clear that with the addition of the United States Attorney the resources are now in place for the tenacious and thorough investigation and prosecution that the people of Lake County demand and deserve."

"As I have stated many times, any investigation into voter fraud in Lake County should encompass not just allegations from the 2003 election but also the mountain of evidence from the 1999 East Chicago primary election that sits untouched in the office of a special prosecutor in Newton County."

"I again offer my full support and assistance to U.S. Attorney Van Bokkelen, Prosecutor Bernard Carter and Attorney General Steve Carter and commend them for their determination to rid Lake County of those who defraud the citizens of the right to popularly elect those who represent them in government."